The Essential Writings of Jawaharlal Nehru (In 2 Volumes)

This anthology of Jawaharlal Nehru’s writings includes nearly 500 extracts covering almost every aspect of his life and times. Jawaharlal Nehru was an eloquent and prolific communicator. The felicity with which he expressed himself was rare, and the range of his interests remarkable. His early writings were dominated by the nationalist impulse with issues of nation building, the ‘idea of India’, and Mahatma Gandhi as enduring themes. Nehru was also profoundly influenced by the socialist philosophy of society, and believed it would help in the creation of a secular, egalitarian and democratic India. In addition to his political writings, Nehru wrote extensively on a wide variety of subjects. His love for nature is evocatively captured in his musings on wildlife and environment. His quest for knowledge of India’s past, and the traditions and cultures that flowed together to make the nation’s essence bear testimony to his keen sense of history. Nehru was deeply perturbed by natural disasters like earthquakes and famines that ravaged his country and brought hardship to his people. He strongly advocated the development of science and technology which he believed would form the basis for ushering in an age of modernity. He also envisioned India’s role in international affairs. To this end, social movements, and the relations among nations always occupied his interest. The selections not only reflect his thinking on a range of topics but also present a composite picture of Nehru—a ‘lover of words and phrases’, who presented his opinions elegantly and sought the voice of reason. Official statements of policy and documents that merely transmit his point of view have been largely set aside. But some communications, which are of more than individual significance, have been included in this anthology. This fine selection offers a unique insight into the workings of a versatile and brilliant mind. Comprehensive in scope, the volumes reveal Jawaharlal Nehru’s sensitivity, wisdom and concern for his people and the nation. The anthology will be of enduring interest and benefit to the scholarly as also the general reader.